But fellow commission members disagreed and recommended yesterday that he and four other members be reappointed.

The recommendations will go to Mayor Joseph Daddona, who nominates members subject to approval by City Council.

"I think it's important to have your leadership now and not make any changes," commission member Arlene Wallach told Clark.

The commission and Human Relations Bureau face uncertain futures. To save money, City Council has suggested that their functions be transferred to Lehigh County.

In addition to giving someone else a chance to serve, Clark, a lawyer and former prosecutor, said he was concerned about potential conflicts of interests now that he occasionally provides legal service to the Allentown Police Department. He said potentially he could be advising the police in a case that the Human Relations agency is investigating.

"I'm a little concerned about how the community might perceive that," he said. "Sometimes the damage gets done before you can do damage control."

After the meeting, Clark said he would ask that another lawyer handle such cases.

In addition to Clark, the commission recommended the following re-appointments to three-year terms: Vicky Lysek, Rogelio Padro, Martin Velazquez III and Wallach.

Recommended as high school student appointees were Shirley Jones, Sarah Young and Shannon Fasolka.